The Cayman Islands Human Rights Committee (HRC) has selected a new chairperson to take over from Hon. Alden McLaughlin, who left the committee to ensure it did not appear politically compromised.
Sara Collins |
Sara Collins, a partner and lawyer with law firm Walkers, will be the committee’s new chairman, effective 1 July.
In a press release, Mr. McLaughlin said the time is right to hand over the reins of the committee to a non-government representative. This will enforce the HRC’s position as an independent entity, he said.
‘I know that Ms. Collins will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to bear on the work of the Committee,’ Mr. McLaughlin said.
‘She is an immensely competent lawyer with an acute interest in matters of Human Rights, and her in-depth local knowledge positions her perfectly for this important role.’
Ms Collins said it is fundamental to the work of the committee that members act, and are seen to act, independently from political or other influence.
‘I hope to continue to build on the excellent work the committee has done so far.’
She encouraged members of the public to log onto www.humanrights.ky to view reports and see how efficient and dedicated the committee has been so far.
Educated in England, Ms. Collins joined Walkers in 1996 and became a partner in 2003.
She has worked on a wide range of commercial litigation, with a focus on international trust litigation and court proceedings. Ms. Collins is also Chairperson of the Planning Appeals Tribunal, a Director of the Cayman Islands National Gallery and the author of a paper on the rights of women and children, presented at the Human Rights Symposium held in the Cayman Islands in 2001.
Ms. Collins is one of eight new appointments to the board.
Other new members are Anthony Akiwumi; Danielle Coleman; Andre Ebanks; John Meghood; Reverend Donavan Myers; Estella Scott Roberts; and Canover Watson.
‘The HRC boasts some great talent with a broad and relevant skill-base, not least some excellent young Caymanian lawyers and business people,’ Mr. McLaughlin said.
‘The HRC has strengthened its capacity in the areas of law, religion and business, and provided for more private sector representation and increased independence from government, which will doubtless bring further enhancements in the way it serves the community.’
Though his chairmanship has been controversial, Ms. Collins said the HRC may not have existed today if not for Mr. McLaughlin’s vision and commitment.
‘It is a tremendous testament to the value of the work of the committee that the Minister has taken the steps which will allow full independence for the committee in carrying out its work.’
She said the committee will continue to pursue constructive dialogue with Mr. McLaughlin and other government representatives where appropriate.
On 22 May Mr. McLaughlin said the HRC had barely been functional al when he came to office in 2005. It was only brought back to life through the work of his office, he added.
‘The only reason I persevered was because I believed and, most members of the committee agreed, that without government support the committee would have fallen flat on its face before it started,’ he said.
‘I have striven to avoid any interference or attempts to control what is said or reported or printed by the committee. All members of the committee will attest that the views expressed in the various reports are the views of the majority of the committee.’
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